Will Basics and Planning

Why Start with a Will?

A Will is one of the most important legal documents you can have. It’s not just for those with large estates or complex finances—it’s a personal roadmap that communicates your wishes clearly and gives direction to your loved ones. Creating a Will puts you in control, allowing you to decide what happens to your property, dependants, and personal matters after you pass away.

Whether you're just starting to think about estate planning or revisiting your existing documents, understanding the basics of Wills is the first step toward protecting what matters most.

Will Planning vs. No Will Planning

Having a Will means your wishes are known and can be carried out. Without one, provincial laws will decide how your estate is divided—regardless of your personal intentions. This can lead to delays, confusion, or outcomes that don’t reflect what you wanted.

A Will allows you to make thoughtful choices ahead of time, ensuring that everything from guardianship of your children to distribution of your belongings is handled the way you intend. It shifts estate planning from being reactive to proactive—giving you peace of mind and easing the burden on your family.

Why It Matters

A basic understanding of Wills can help you:

• Make informed decisions about who receives your assets

• Appoint someone you trust to manage your estate

• Name guardians for minor children

• Reduce confusion and conflict among family members

• Avoid unnecessary legal delays or court involvement

You don’t need to have a complex estate to benefit from a Will. Everyone deserves a say in how their legacy is handled—and a Will makes sure that happens.

Building Good Habits Early

You don’t have to wait for a major life event to write a Will. In fact, the best time to prepare one is before it’s urgently needed. Getting your Will in place early—and updating it as your life evolves—creates a habit of staying in control and ahead of potential issues.

Major life changes such as getting married, having children, starting a business, or buying a home are all natural points to revisit your Will. Regular updates ensure your wishes stay relevant and your plan stays effective.

Foundations of Will Planning

To get the most value from your estate planning efforts, it helps to understand the foundational concepts first. The articles below break down the key elements of getting started with a Will:

• Will Fundamentals: What You Need to Know: Learn what a Will does, how it works, and why it’s more than just a legal document.
• Do I Need a Will: Understand who should have a Will and how it protects your family and assets.
• Key Elements to Include in Your Will: Explore what decisions belong in a Will—from asset distribution to personal directives.
• When Is the Best Time to Make a Will: See why it’s better to plan now instead of waiting for a “perfect time.”
• Reasons to Update Your Will: Find out when and why it’s important to review and revise your Will.
• What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?: Learn how estates are handled without a Will—and why it’s worth avoiding.
• Types of Wills in Canada: Discover the common formats (formal, holograph, mutual) and what they mean for you.
• What Is a Codicil?: Understand how to make minor changes to an existing Will without rewriting the whole thing.
• Glossary: An A–Z guide to essential Will and Estate terminology for informed financial strategies.